Rubie Tuesday

Illinois 2011

2011-10-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting family. I took some senior pictures for Nathan, we went to a farm, zoo, Wisconsin water parks, visited Gramma Pat, and mostly played with Gramela Pamela and cousins. Lots of fun!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

This year we went to the pumpkin patch with our new friends: Lauren, Ally, Melissa, and Jeremy.

Costumes 2011

2011-10-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

This year, Rubie was interested in 2 costumes: Beyonce and a bride. We bought the bride costume first, but it is completely see through - so she is using it as casual dress up for around the house.

Her real costume this year is Beyonce from the Single Ladies video. She is creative, I'll give her that much...

Testing for Blue Belts

2011-10-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

The girls had to break boards to pass their test. The instructor writes a bad habit on the board, for the girls to break - Rubie chose to break the bad habit of "talking back."

Blue belt is half way to black belt! Go Rubie!

5 year olds still take naps with their daddies - while wearing Wonder Woman costumes.

2011-10-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Rubie's First Award

2011-10-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Rubie received her first award - for reading! We are so proud of our reader. Here she is with her kindergarten teacher - Mrs. Thompson.

First Day of Kindergarten!

2011-07-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here she is with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thompson (my partner teacher)...

Here, she is shocked that the parent helper (her dad), wants to paint her hand - she's worried it might ruin her polish...

Henry and Watermelon

2011-07-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

This year of preschool hasn't been an easy one. Rubie hated going to school - came up with every excuse one can think of not to go (one day, her eyes hurt - she said she couldn't see well). I went to the director and had her changed to a different classroom. Those amazing teachers turned her back into the girl who LOVES school! That's the power of a positive environment.

For her graduation gift, I gave Rubie a Tiffany necklace that Ramon had given me a few years ago. Rubie has always liked it, and I always tell her that one day I will give it to her. Let's hope she is ready.

Ms. Kari and Ms. Beckie...

Hawaii - 2011

2011-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

May Birthday Celebration at Dad's House

2011-05-21T20:34:00.001-07:00

Testing For Orange Belts

2011-05-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Rubie and Leilani tested for their orange belts tonight...

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

There were many days that I wondered if I would ever celebrate Mother's Day as a mother. Now I can't believe how lucky I am, that I get to be her mother. It's not always easy. I almost always question my parenting decisions - wonder if I am ruining her. But, I wouldn't change her in any way, even if I could...

Adoption Day, 2011

2011-04-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

This year, for adoption day, we went to Disneyland - surprise! Every year we ask Rubie, and every year, she picks "Disleyland." I really have no idea why she chooses Disneyland, because every time we go there, she has a miserable time. I think she builds it up too much, and she is overstimulated. She was grouchy and grumpy for the majority of the day - though I just asked her if she had fun, and she said she did. oh well.

Here is one of the first pictures. um....forced smile?

The Flowers came with us to celebrate...

We love you, baby girl - adoption day, and every day. (even when you are grumpy)...

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Eggs

2011-04-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

Only two casualties this year...

Spring pictures

2011-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Make Up

2011-04-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Friday Afternoon

2011-03-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Watching cartoons with daddy...

This is the first time that Frenchie has ever volunteered to lay on Rubie. She was so excited...

Playing a game with daddy...

Testing for her Purple Belt

2011-02-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Rubie was sick for testing this month, so she had to come in for a private test. Here she is warming up with Instructor Jameel...

Now the real test begins with Instructor Nick...

She struggles a little with push ups...

However, she does great sit ups...

This is the end of the test. She passed with flying colors! Go, Rubie!

Valentines Day 2011

2011-02-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Our morning started with heart shaped pancakes, strawberry syrup, and strawberry/banana smoothies. Rubie and I made the candle holder/jars yesterday using liquid starch and tissue paper...

I love this picture, because Rubie took it.

Why yes, that is a hundred dollar doll wearing a Build a Bear dress. Let's not discuss her hair...

Pre K Valentines Party...

Checking out all of her Valentines...

For Ramon, I got father/daughter Nerf guns. Here he is teaching her how to use it. Poor Frenchie hasn't come out of hiding since they started...

Leilani's 5th Birthday at Disneyland

2011-02-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

She said she was, "a mom."

2011-02-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

Auntie Elle....I am beginning to question your influence.

2011-01-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

Rubie's age 4 slideshow

2011-01-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

This year, Christmas was at our house. Rubie makes the cutest little brown Rapunzel ever!

Ramon's family has the tradition to make Jesus a birthday cake. We even sing happy birthday.

Henry

Henry enjoying some Jesus cake.

Brandon

Rapunzel in a Wonder Woman shirt.

T Ball in December

2010-12-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

When it's 83 degrees in December, you go out in the backyard (wearing a fish hat), and play T ball, of course...

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

The evening started off with some trick or treating with Leilani at the mall. If you have ever considered this - reconsider. It was supposed to start at 4, and when we got there (at 4), most stores were already out of candy. The girls had fun, though...

She takes her role very seriously...

Practicing handing out candy...

Pre-K Halloween Party

2010-10-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Carving 2010

2010-10-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Rubie was not happy with what she found inside the pumpkin...

Frenchie getting in on the action...

Rubie's creation (and those are ears)...

First lost tooth - October 26th, 2010

2010-10-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Field Trip to Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-26T14:59:00.001-07:00

Rubie's first field trip was to a pumpkin patch.

After a hay ride, we sat and learned all about pumpkins...

A goat tried to eat her skirt, so Rubie chose to watch from outside the petting zoo...

Everyone got to choose a pumpkin to take home...
8

Chicago, October 2010

2010-10-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

Facebook

2010-10-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Lately, many of my facebook status' have been about Rubie. I wanted to copy them here so that I will remember them. They show a lot about who Rubie is at the age of 4 1/2 and I don't want to forget them....

Why yes, that is a Chino police badge tattoo on her arm. After 10 good days at school, this is what she chose out of the treasure box. Let's not bring up the fact that it took a month to get to 10 good days.

Rubie- "I colored on my face with marker because I don't want to be light brown, I want to be dark brown."
Mommy- "So, no star today, huh?"
Rubie- "nope."

Rubie: I was playing on the carpet again.
mommy: So, what happened?
Rubie: I didn't get to do my job.
mommy: What was your job?
Rubie: door monitor.
mommy: bummer. I thought you were gonna try harder today.
Rubie: mmmmmmm maybe next week.
mommy: so, I guess we aren't holding out much hope for tomorrow.

Rubie: I had a rough day today.
mommy: What happened?
Rubie: I was playing around on the carpet.
mommy: and then what happened?
Rubie: I didn't get no star.
mommy: And, apparently you missed that great lesson about double negatives. Did you get a note?
Rubie: I didn't get no note.
mommy: great.

Dear woman at ralphs (who was MAYBE 50), I am so happy that my daughter said hello to you. I am so sorry that she then said, "I said hi to to that old lady."

Dear Denny's customers (the one off of Baseline and the 15 fwy), I would like to apologize for the 4 1/2 year old having a loud, crying tantrum. She was with me. I would also like to apologize to the bus boy for the carrot bits falling out of her mouth (I'm sure you had to clean them up). Just be happy you weren't t...here for the car ride home. It wasn't much fun. love, Julie xoxo

Apple Picking at Riley's Farm

2010-10-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween Costume #2

2010-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, Halloween is one of the best parts of childhood. I bought Rubie's costume (Wonder Woman) back in August. Yesterday, I found out that Rubie's preschool won't allow super hero costumes. I have been FORCED to go out and buy ANOTHER costume (how horrible). You can see that Rubie looks tortured by the very idea of having two costumes...

Now she has one for the party at school, and one to go trick or treating in. poor girl. And, yes, Pocahontas wore cowboy boots.

Hello Kitty, Bracelets, and Boots

2010-10-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

What Rubie considers to be a good day.

some days...

2010-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

...I pick out Rubie's clothes, and some days she picks out her own. Guess what kind of day it was today?

snap

2010-09-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

That is one beautiful 4 1/2 year old...

Today, Rubie asked me to flat iron her hair...

She has been trying to snap for quite some time, and she has finally figured it out...

Right after these pictures were taken...

2010-08-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the grocery store. Rubie said hello to a woman (who was MAYBE 50 years old), then she immediately turned around and said, "I said hi to the old lady."

It is a good thing she is so cute...

First Day of Pre K

2010-08-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Please pay attention to the most hideous lunch box ever. I tried to change her mind - showed her some adorable lunch boxes, but no, this was her choice...

At this point, she wanted me to leave...

Our last year of preschool...

2010-08-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

...begins tomorrow.

Fancy Dinner Night

2010-08-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday night was "Fancy Dinner Night" at our house. Rubie got dressed up in her fanciest outfit, then helped pick out some things for mommy and daddy to wear as well...

We even drank out of fancy glasses...

Fancy bus boy...

I know it's only August, but...

2010-08-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Rubie's Halloween costume came in the mail today. This was the first year that she got to pick her costume. She was thinking Batgirl, but I carefully planted the idea of Wonder Woman in her head. I was so excited when she told me she wanted to be Wonder Woman because I was Wonder Woman for Halloween when I was 4. As soon as she put the costume on, she BECAME Wonder Woman. She was stopping bullets with her bracelets, and throwing her Lasso of Truth around everything.

Daddy was the bad guy that stole the jewelry. She took care of him...

She's pretty convincing...

Here I am at the age of 4. I wanted to be Wonder Woman when I grew up, so gram made me the BEST.COSTUME.EVER. Poor Jennifer had to be the same thing - though she doesn't look too sad...

hula girl

2010-08-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

The theme at Rubie's preschool for the summer was "Hawaiian Adventure," or something like that. Today Rubie came home with this amazing skirt, and showed off some hula moves for us...

Before leaving for school today, Rubie set some friends in the window. That way, when she looks in the window as we drive by - they will be waving bye to her...

Rubie's Garden

2010-08-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Rubie wanted a garden, so her daddy grew her one. It has peas, carrots, corn, and some sort of bean. Everyday, they go out to check on it, and she is so excited to watch it grow...

Picnic Face

2010-08-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today, Uncle Joe called and invited Rubie to go on a picnic. Today is a great day for a picnic. I was totally excited to go - until Ramon told me that I wasn't invited. Only Rubie was invited. Uncle Joe came by and picked up Rubie and off they went for the afternoon. Rubie is 4 1/2 years old, and she has never driven in a car without me or Ramon. I had a little anxiety. But then, Ramon asked me to go out on a date with him - we went and had some sushi, walked around the mall, and then went to the movies. It seemed so strange - we are never without her.

She came home with a big bag of candy, and a face like this...

I'm guessing she had a good time.

How can she look this cute on no sleep?

2010-08-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

Same Day, Different Post

2010-07-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Later that same day, we went to daddy's soccer game. We watched a little bit of the game, then we heard uncle Joe's F-bomb, and decided to go play on the playground...

Rueberry Pie

2010-07-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some miscellaneous facts...

Lately, Rubie has been obsessed with Michael Jackson. She first learned who he was just after he died (and he was all over the TV). She kept asking, "Who's that lady?" Now, she makes us listen to him in the car, and she walks around the house singing, "Dirty Diana."

Rubie is back to NOT sleeping. It started just over a month ago, and (knock on wood), is starting to get a little better (meaning, she only gets up once or twice).

Rubie has decided that this hair style (which she calls Catie's hair) is now too big. Her hair is too big, and she doesn't like it. I am not allowed to do this to her hair again. We'll see.

She has narrowed down her Halloween choice to Batgirl, Wonder Woman, or Jesse (from Toy Story). I'm trying to guide her towards Wonder Woman because that is what I dressed up as at the age of 4. Gramma Pat made me the most AMAZING costume (because I wanted to grow up to be Wonder Woman). She is leaning towards Batgirl because Nicholas at school always pretends to be Batman. We discuss this almost everyday (even though Halloween is 3 months away).

Summer on a Thursday Afternoon

2010-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

I got home today to find Rubie in her kiddie pool in the backyard...

Rubie stops for a hug as Ramon is telling me about his day (can you tell Ramon sees my camera a lot, he just pretends it isn't there)...

Juice it up break...

Juice it up makes her a little crazy...

Henry came over to play, too!

Dancing in the Living Room

2010-07-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Reese and Johnny - Birthday 4 & 5

2010-07-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sydney and Hailey

Blakie would not let me take a picture, so uncle Russ helped me get one...

Doesn't he look 5 now?

Racine showing off her slide burn...

Rubie said, "Auntie April is a libarian."

happy Hailey...

Birthday boys...

I only get the serious ones if I let them take a silly one, too...

Rubie and Grandpa Dave...

Dad and Myra...

4th of July Slideshow

2010-07-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

4th of July 2010 from Julie Navarro on Vimeo.

4th of July 2010

2010-07-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

We started the afternoon at a BBQ at the inlaws...

sparklers...

Seriously, Savoeun - you put him in a shirt with the British flag on it?

Rubie, Henry, and Brandon...

Then it was off the watch the LA Galaxy...

Dance Recital Day 2010

2010-06-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

The girls were adorable! Leilani did a perfectly one step behind performance, and Rubie held one of 2 moves throughout the entire number. It was perfect. We tried to video, but got caught - no video or pictures inside. boo. Here are the before pictures...

I'm not sure if I like this one better processed like this...

or like this. Either way, it is one of my favorite photos ever!...

Last Day of Preschool 2010

2010-06-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Rubie's last day of preschool for the 2009-2010 school year. She starts summer school (2 days a week) next week, and will go on to her last year of preschool in the fall. This was the only party that Ramon was able to come to this year, so it was a big day. As usual (in situations like this), it started with tears - Rubie gets overwhelmed easily. After a few minutes, she was back to her old self (cupcakes help)...

Rubie loves Cale (who doesn't?)...

Ramon's first preschool party was a success. Within minutes, he had the kids laughing (he was trying to help them figure out how the popsicles got the sticks in them). Can you even see him in this picture? Kids always surround him...

Right after getting her certificate...

suckers and friends, what could be better?

Dance, again.

2010-06-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today was our non dress rehearsal at the Victoria Gardens Theater. Since none of the inside photos came out (we weren't allowed to use flash, and I'm not smart enough to figure it out without flash), here are some pictures from out front...

And so it begins...

2010-06-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Every 4 years, the World Cup comes around - and soccer invades our TV.

making paper dolls...

Dance Recital Practice

2010-06-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Rubie has a dance recital in a little over a week. Unfortunately, there are no pictures allowed during the recital, only the dress rehearsal. And, now there is no dress rehearsal, so that means any pictures taken had to be today. The recital is taking place at a big beautiful theater, but my pictures are from home and in her dance class - boo. I did the best I could. She will be tap dancing to "It's My Party."

She and her bestie are watching the big girls dance...

Getting ready to practice...

San Diego Vacation 2010, Part 3

2010-06-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

The last day of our vacation started at the pool...

Then it was off to the San Diego Zoo...

Rubie has been talking about going to the zoo for weeks. One of her teachers told her that the gorillas throw poop, and she has been waiting to see them. Unfortunately for Rubie, no poop was thrown - there was lots of play fighting, though, and she enjoyed it.

San Diego Vacation 2010, Part 2

2010-06-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

After the museum, we went to our hotel, and met the Potters on the hotel beach. It got a little chilly in the late afternoon, so we made a fire and roasted marshmallows, and made smores. Here is Irelyn playing with a bucket...

Kelly took this one...

Rubie really liked the smores...

Potter girls...

The next day we went to Sea World. Here is a picture of Rubie refusing to touch the sting rays...

However, she did touch the dolphins...

San Diego Vacation 2010, Part 1

2010-06-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

We started our vacation at the San Diego Natural History Museum. They have a great dinosaur exhibit...

Here is our first time out of the vacation. Turns out, you are not supposed to stick your foot between the fence posts and try to kick the giant pendulum. So, she sat with the megalodon for a few...

Taking in the earth...

Sprinkler Fun 2010

2010-05-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

She is crazy. And, she is loved.

Preschool Spring Performance

2010-05-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

Rubie's preschool had their annual spring performance last night. She was dressed in a fish hat and sang "Slippery Fish." She did a great job, but unfortunately, I didn't get any good pictures - which is why I could never be a professional photographer. The only picture I have is from before the performance. I flat ironed her hair...

My Beautiful Girl

2010-05-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

"Did you know I'm going to live happily ever after?"

2010-05-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, Rubie, I did know that.

pill bugs.

2010-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

mommy - "I love you, Rubie."
rubie - "I love pill bugs."

rubie - "How did God make us?"
mommy - "I don't know."
rubie - "I think he used markers."

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. It started out with Ramon and his brother making Mother's Day Breakfast for the family (Ramon's parents, Savoeun, and Henry came over, too). Then, we met the Flowers family for a very fancy lunch at an upscale restaurant - can't believe it wasn't busy.

Rubie made me a beautiful card and flowers at school, and her daddy helped her pick out a second card and flowers from the store. And, let's not forget my new Coach bag (xoxo).

The best present, was her sitting for a few pictures for me...

notice that arm, reaching for her snack...

Rubie, I can't imagine my life without you in it.

rough day in preschool.

2010-05-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Adoption Day 2010

2010-04-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

This year for adoption day, Rubie decided that she wanted to go to Disneyland (again....surprise). We had a rough start. Rubie decided that she didn't want to go on any ride except for the carousel.

um...seriously, we just paid over 200 bucks to go to Disneyland, and she wasn't going to go on any rides! (mom, I know what you are thinking....payback - I was afraid of rides as a child).

Then, I think a bird peed on my head (I'm only assuming that birds pee, I really don't know if they do). There was nothing above me, and I felt something drip on my head, it had to be bird pee. That was fun.

I really thought we would be home by 2. However, after lunch, she got a second wind and wanted to go on actual rides! She even wanted to go on Pirates of the Caribbean (even after I told her there was a scary part!). And, she liked it so much, we went on it twice.

It ended up being a wonderful day in which we celebrated something amazing. Rubie, you have been with us for almost 4 years now, and I still feel lucky every day (even when birds pee on my head)...

Preschool Open House....

2010-04-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

...started off great. Then took a turn downhill...ending with a meltdown on the floor. Rubie gets very excited about upcoming events. She builds them up so much that when the actual event gets here, she loses it (let's recall the 4th birthday party present opening meltdown of 2010....yep, that was fun).

Unfortunately for me, she melted down in the classroom that I would like her to be in next year. She.was.on.the.floor. Poor Ms. Yolanda.

We lasted about 20 minutes. These are some before pictures. Rubie LOVES sea life. The whole room was in an ocean theme. She has been talking about this angler fish for days. She couldn't wait to show it to us...

Another Soccer Game....

2010-04-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Can you spot my child? I bet you can...

Don't let this picture fool you into thinking she actually played soccer...

This picture about sums it up...

Later that day, I took pictures of the Colby family, and she was a HUGE help getting the kids to look at the camera...

The other day while driving, I honked at someone and Rubie said, "It's chaos." Today, she told Ramon that she was "perplexed" about him. What are they teaching her at that preschool?

She also told me that if you pick your nose it will bleed, birds can't eat rice or they will die, and she wants to paint the sharks toe nails with clear so that their other polish doesn't come off in the water. hmmmm.

Preschool Naptime

2010-04-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

If you ever want to know how well Rubie slept (or didn't sleep) at preschool, just look at her hair. If she slept well, her hair still somewhat resembles the hair she was dropped off with. If she was talking and playing during nap time, she rolls all over her mat, and her hair pays the price.

I can walk into the classroom, and tell the teacher if Rubie slept well. (it's usually a "no")...

She is trying so hard to learn to whistle. She almost has it...

I am taking pictures for a friend on Saturday, and needed to try out a new location. I think I like it.

Candyland

2010-04-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

There are several funny things about this photo. First of all, uncle Joe is the one of the manliest men I have ever met. Yet, Rubie somehow finds a way to trap him in her world of pink. He will drink tea, talk on Barbie phones, and I have even seen him with a dolly in his hands. Here they are "playing" Candyland (for obvious reasons, I use the term "playing" loosely).

Side note: My mother is the biggest Candyland cheater of the world. She only uses the cards with double colored squares in order to speed the game along. (pure genius)

Rubie has been drawn to uncle Joe since she came home to live with us at the age of 4 months. She has even been known to rip a book out of her daddy's hands to hand it to uncle Joe to read. Her first words to him are usually, "Wanna fight?"

I like to call this next series of photos, "Grown Men With a Pink Ball"

Originally, Rubie was playing with them - but she has the attention span of a...well, a...4 year old.

4 year olds believe in magic and fairy dust.

2010-04-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

While getting gas the other day, the light was streaming into the car. Rubie kicked my seat and dust flew into the air. Her eyes got big, and she said, "IT'S FAIRY DUST!" 4 is a special age. (now how do I get her to stop kicking the seat?)

Here she is modeling the "Mona Lisa" pose...

4 is also the age in which children like to catch bugs and torture them (I can't imagine that I ever went through this phase). The roly poly now is now enjoying life in the bug condo. (he/she will be released in a few hours)...

Soccer Game

2010-04-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

Rubie's second soccer game was on Saturday. Her first game was so windy that I couldn't take my camera out of the bag. Here she is warming up with her team - Purplicious (I'm calling this first shot a miss)...

Still practicing...

This is during the actual game. This is how we typically found her - looking in the wrong direction with her back to the game. She was also making friends with the other team, and running off the field to hug Henry.

and, this was an improvement- last game, she was cheering when the other team scored.

Hard to Believe....

2010-04-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

...that Rubie's hair has gone from this...

to this...

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Easter over at Gramma and Grampa Navarro's house. We started with an egg hunt...

She's showing me how heavy her basket is (and how strong she is - she can lift it this high)...

notice the subtle flip of the bird (in yo face)...

I took a lot of pictures of Henry today. He was so funny with the bubbles in his Easter basket...

He LOVES Kung Fu - here he is doing his Kung Fu moves with his bubble wand. Very serious...

Cousin Brandon was there, too. He was so NICE- helping the little ones find more eggs. I can't believe how big he is getting...

Two Brothers Play Soccer

2010-04-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is what happens at family gatherings...

um...foul, Ramon...

You can't see it here, but Brandon was the goal keeper...

These boys play dirty, very dirty...

And Joe, seriously, what's with the facial expressions?

Coloring Easter Eggs 2010

2010-04-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

This year, coloring eggs went much more smoothly.

We have seen this face before. Easter of 2008, she made this face a lot. It is a look of concentration (usually when she is about to break an egg). Check it out here...

Lots of concentrating...

Great Gramma Navarro's Birthday Party

2010-03-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we drove out to Apple Valley to celebrate Great Gramma Navarro's birthday.

Henry has learned to "smile" for the camera...

It took all of them, but they finally got him down...

Big Day

2010-03-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

This evening, we went over to Gramma and Grampa's house. Their yard is a place to climb trees and run around. They also have a small swing, that Rubie loves. Today, she learned to swing! We were so proud of her!

She was so excited! (maybe it had to do with her new jelly shoes, that she thinks are glass slippers)...

Look at the determination!

This is my favorite swinging picture - maybe it has something to do with that santa necklace that she insisted on wearing today, you know, in March...

Rubie's Very First Soccer Practice Included...

2010-03-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lots of time spent with her fingers in her mouth...

actual kicking of the ball...

playing with her shirt...

standing and not doing what she was supposed to...

pouting because an ice cream man walked by...

and playing with her shorts (not pictured are the many times when she hiked them up to look like soccer panties)...

and, that about sums it up.

Sunday at Starbucks

2010-03-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

I love our little trips to Starbucks. Ramon hates coffee, so it is something special that Rubie and I do together. Rubie gets so excited for her chocolate milk (she has no idea that we can make it at home, shhh).

These frogs are from the Princess and the Frog movie. She brings these frogs EVERYWHERE. She plays with them constantly. The girl has 80 million toys/dolls, but these are her favorites.

Is It Spring Yet?

2010-03-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

We are ready.

Rubie is so good to me.

2010-02-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have been trying a lot of new things with my camera lately (still learning), and so I needed to practice. She has been a trooper (bribes were offered, and accepted). This month, I tried BBF (back button focusing), but I didn't see a big difference in focus, so I changed back. Now, I have switched to shooting in RAW. I've been scared to do it, but already see a HUGE difference. It is so easy to make changes and fix pictures.

I can't believe what a beautiful 4 year old she is...

Escalators

2010-02-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

"Escalators help us see stuff that's too far away."

Besties

2010-02-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

These were taken right before dance class...

singing

2010-02-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

Ever since Rubie learned to talk (which was VERY early), she has loved to sing. Actually, she loves anything involved with making noise. loud noise. Here she is singing...

This shirt was a gift from Auntie Elle. The first time she wore it, she came home from preschool and said that she told everyone to "pet her kitties." thanks Auntie Elle...

I look at these pictures and I don't see a baby anymore. I see a little girl of 4 (sniff).

Make Up

2010-02-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

4 year old does her own make up...

I quickly snapped this because I liked the light...

Downtown Riverside

2010-02-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

Potter Twins visit Downtown Riverside

2010-02-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Met up with the Potter's to take some pictures of the girls. THEY.ARE.FAST. I didn't think I was gonna get any shots of them together, but managed a few...

Mommy's gonna love this one...

Sister love...

While there, I got some cute pictures of Rubie, they will be following soon...

Sit N Spin

2010-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-14T14:57:00.001-08:00

I've been reading up about a different way of focusing my camera, called Back Button Focus. Today, I decided to try it out using my only willing subject...

Here is the Valentine's gift she made for me...

She loves me "this much"...

Preschool Valentimes Party

2010-02-12T14:21:00.001-08:00

Science Night

2010-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

The school that I work at has "Science Night" once a year. I LOVE science night. Rubie had a blast. Here she is standing in a giant bubble...

Here she is making "flubber."

I was worried about the "frog dissection" due to her love of The Princess and the Frog, but she did it (fake frog)...

Huntington Library

2010-02-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

Victoria Gardens

2010-02-12T14:07:00.000-08:00